Does Nose Cartilage Heal?

According to Dr. Danny L. Proffitt, nose cartilage heals; however, due to its very poor blood supply, it's essential to set the nose in as close to its original position as possible. Otherwise, deformations of the nose can result, requiring future plastic surgery.

As the Gale Encyclopedia of Children's Health explains, the human nose is composed of bone, soft tissue and cartilage. Severe fractures of the nose can lead to respiratory trouble, leakage of cerebrospinal fluid through the nostrils and potentially facial disfigurement. If a nose injury presents profuse bleeding, trouble breathing or nasal discharge that's watery as well as bloody, immediate medical attention is required.